1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 60 kg more than 1978 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Mustang is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Ford Mustang (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Mustang | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Mustang | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4941 cc | 2480 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 150 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 339 Nm | 231 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1350 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4100 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2520 mm |